HomeMy WebLinkAboutThe Citizen, 1997-05-07, Page 25THE CITIZEN, WEDNESDAY, MAY 7.1997 PAGE 25.
OMAFRA, MNR officially open joint office
By David Emslie
Clinton News-Record
The eyes of the provincial
government will be on Clinton in
the coming months, as the
experiment of co-locating
government ministries progresses
on Don Street.
Representatives from the federal,
provincial, county and Clinton
governments brought words of
greeting and congratulations to the
Ontario Ministry of Agriculture,
Food and Rural Affairs
(OMAFRA), and the Ontario
Ministry of Natural Resources
(OMNR) last Wednesday, for the
official opening of the combined
office in Clinton.
The idea arose last summer and
fall to bring the two ministries
together in the Clinton office. The
OMNR, with 12 staff, was leasing
office space in Wingham, and it
was decided to move that staff to
Clinton, where they could share
space with 14 OMAFRA staff.
Michele Noble, deputy minister
of the Management Board
Secretariat and secretary of the
Management Board of Cabinet,
said the combining of the ministries
in one office represents the
direction the provincial government
is taking. -
"Certainly this office is in the
forefront," she said, noting that
staffs are working together to
provide service.
The sharing of space, she added,
also represents the better use of
resources, as the ministries are
making efficiencies and achieving
savings.
Ron Vrancart, deputy minister
for the OMNR, said that in many
ways, this co-operative effort is a
small step for the two ministries,
but a large step for the public
service, which will be watching to
see how the co-location project
works, as such projects are
occurring across the province.
"It is a pleasure for us to be
located here with OMAFRA," he
said. "To us, Clinton is a good
central location to service the
citizens of Huron and Perth."
Noting that the two ministries
service many of the same clients,
Vrancart also stated, "I'm sure
clients will find it much more
convenient with us being located in
Clinton."
The deputy minister also pointed
out that this pilot project for office
sharing will be watched with
interest, and, "I couldn't think of a
better place to start."
The Deputy Minister for
OMAFRA, Ken Knox said the last
time he was in Clinton was to
discuss with staff the subject of
downsizing. "I'm pleased to be
back on much more positive
terms."
As the government wants to find
efficiencies in administration,
without abandoning services for its
clients, Knox said the success of
the combined office will be judged.
Other experiments to find similar
efficiencies are going on across the
province, and he said there are 90
possible experiments in western
Ontario, but, "This is the first."
The Clinton experiment will be
evaluated to find out if the co
location is a success, and then
similar projects will follow in other
settings. "I look forward to
watching the results," Knox said.
amIRu rat Affairs
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Opening snip
Cutting the ribbon to officially open the combined office of the Ontario Ministry of Agriculture
Food and Rural Affairs (OMAFRA) and the Ontario Ministry of Resources (OMNR) in Clinton
were, from left: Ron Vrancart, deputy minister of OMNR, Michele Noble, deputy minister of
Management Board Secretariat and secretary of Management Board of Cabinet and Ken
Knox, deputy minister of OMAFRA.
HK I
Milk’s the word
Huron County Dairy Educator Janet Wilkins paid a visit to
Brussels Public School last week. Following a video
presentation about the dairy industry and the goodness of
milk, students in Mr. Bill Teall's Grade 4/5 class took part
in a question and answer session beginning with talk
about taste buds.
Blyth council
Continued from page 7
HCBE would be in a position to
raise tax rates in the same manner
(due to a change in the funding
method proposed by the province),
he would be more inclined to fol
low through.
“We did have some impact
because the (increase) was five per
cent before the (public) meeting,”
said Bailey.
Councillor Doug Scrimgeour
added that if there was an equaliza
tion of funds across the province, it
would make the difference. Some
of the schools in larger centres are
“opulent,” he said.
Bailey agreed that Huron County
would probably be better off with
equalization.
Council discussed the new
method for financing for 1998
where the province will control a
portion of the budget and local
boards will look after buildings and
transportation.
An increase of 1.1 per cent for
the separate school board will also
be included on the tax bill.
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ANNOUNCEMENT
1997 BUSINESS REVIEWS "Information Directory
BRUSSELS LIVESTOCK County Rd.
__~ x~ - _ „__BrusselsW 887-6461
NG THE NEEDS
OF MANY FARMERS IN OUR AREA
Ontario is one of the only provinces in Canada that produces as many meat animals
as it consumes. Approximately 34% of Canada's total meat production stems from
Ontario producers. Most livestock producers find that the market prices for their stock
are an indication of current consumer meat buying trend, in a balance of supply and
demand. As a perishable good, meat has to be moved as quickly as possible into the
best markets available. In this respect, live animals must also be marketed when they
reach top condition. Producers throughout this area have found that BRUSSELS
LIVESTOCK is a highly feasible agency which allows them to sell their livestock and
receive fair market prices.
BRUSSELS LIVESTOCK is capably directed by LEN GAMBLE, who is assisted by
30 reliable employees from around the area providing services to meet your
requirements. BRUSSELS LIVESTOCK holds auctions every Tuesday 9:OOAM. Fed
Cattle & Cows - Thursday 10:00AM: Veal, Bob Calves, Lambs & Goats - Friday
10:00AM: Stockers - 1:OOPM: Pigs.
You may not be aware, that as a Canadian resident, you have access to products
considered world-wide to be some of the finest available. One such good that is
renowned for its high standards and consistent quality is Canadian livestock and their
obvious by-products like meats. When in their peak condition and maturity, livestock
producers in this part of Ontario rely on specialty agencies like BRUSSELS
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their livestock and receive fair prices in accordance with market demands.
Livestock is raised on the farm, but prices are bom at BRUSSELS LIVESTOCK.
A RESPECTED BUSINESS SERV
BRENT ROBINSON, DVM
Robin and Peter Wiley are pleased to announce Brent
Robinson will be joining the staff of Clinton Veterinary
Services. Brent is a graduate of the Ontario Veterinary
College in Guelph. Raised on a farm near Dresden, Ontario,
Brent looks forward to working in a rural mixed veterinary
practice. He and his wife, Maria, will be living in Clinton.
In celebration of our first anniversary at our new
location and to introduce Brent to our clients, Clinton
Veterinary Services will be hosting an Open House May 24
from 9 am- 2 pm.
CLINTONVETERINARY
SERVICES
275 Huron St., (Hwy. 8 West)
Clinton 482-3558
OFFICE HOURS: Six days a week, Monday - Friday 8:30 am - 5:30 pm
Saturdays 8 am - 12 noon
c